A nonprofit healthcare-certification organization is challenging every user of medical ultrasound in the world to become proficient and certified in the modality by 2030.
Intelos, which has global reach and governs the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography, the Alliance for Physician Certification & Advancement and the Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) Certification Academy, announced the program June 14.
The group is promoting the initiative—called the “Ultrasound Proficiency Grand Challenge”—largely as a response to low rates of maternal and fetal health interventions in low-income countries.
The challenge “will help to fill the skills gaps that face many of these regions in order to have a positive impact on maternal and fetal health,” says Pamela Ruiz, Inteleos chief business development officer in the announcement.
At the same time, Intelos notes, POCUS can be a safe and inexpensive tool to diagnose medical conditions in children, men and non-pregnant women.
The concern is that use of the technology by inexperienced or untrained health personnel may do more harm than good.
“As low-cost, point of care ultrasound equipment becomes increasingly prevalent and access to equipment outpaces healthcare providers’ ability to hire experienced clinicians, the need for training and assessment has become dire,” the organization states.
Intelos adds that its grand challenge aligns with a U.N. sustainable development goal to bring global maternal mortality below 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030.
The organization says the Ultrasound Proficiency Grand Challenge will reach its goals by:
- working with local and regional health experts to develop ultrasound standards that reflect the needs of the community;
- educating and training midwives, nurses and skilled birth attendants;
- verifying healthcare providers’ knowledge, skills and abilities through certification; and
- leveraging and assisting in the distribution of ultrasound technology and equipment.
Intelos is hoping to hear from stakeholders and interested parties who might like to help as partners, donors or volunteers. Find details and contact information here and the challenge announcement here.
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Dave P. has worked in journalism, marketing and public relations for more than 30 years, frequently concentrating on hospitals, healthcare technology and Catholic communications. He has also specialized in fundraising communications, ghostwriting for CEOs of local, national and global charities, nonprofits and foundations.